This oval cameo is carved in a burnt pinkish and white sardonyx and depicts a portrait of Paris facing right, his flowing hair and characteristic Phrygian cap positioned in a pink layer of the stone illuminated by the white layer beneath.
Paris is one of the most important humans in Greek mythology. During the wedding of Peleus and Thetis, a golden apple was thrown into the crowd by the god of discord, Eris. The apple was engraved “to the fairest” and three goddesses, Venus, Athena, and Hera, all laid claim to it. Paris, a prince of Troy who was beloved by the gods for both his beauty and his honesty, was to decide which of the goddesses was the fairest, unleashing a chain of events that would ultimately cause the Trojan War.
A comparable cameo is reproduced as number 286 in ‘La collezione Paoletti: Stampi in vetro per impronte di intagli e cammei’ (Stefanelli, 2010), volume II, Tomo V, Cassetto 5.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Size: US 6, UK M, circumference 52 mm.
The setting measures 23 x 18 mm.
This ring can be resized if desired.
Weight: 4.60 grams
Age: The cameo was created in the late 18th Centur, circa 1780s. The shank was created later and is hallmarked for London, 1984.
Hallmarks: The ring is hallmarked for 375/1000 gold.
Condition: In great condition with only minor wear, consistent with age. The cameo has no chips or damages. The ring shank is a later addition.
Please note that the antique box is for display purposes only.